RUTHLESS New Zealand coach John Mitchell has dropped the player whose powerful surges sapped the morale and strength of Wales in Hamilton last weekend for Saturday's Christchurch clash with France.

Tight-head prop Kees Meeuws played havoc with his powerful ball-carrying during the 55-3 rout, scoring a try and having another disallowed.

But the psychological and physical damage he inflicted on the men in red didn't prevent Mitchell ditching him as he plumped for what looks like his first-choice side after Tests against England and Wales.

Meeuws and front-row colleagues Carl Hoeft and Keven Mealamu, whose power resulted in the Welsh scrum disintegrating during a second-half onslaught, all got the boot.

Mitchell reverted to the front-row of Dave Hewett, Anton Oliver and Greg Somerville that played in the defeat to England in Wellington. And he made one other change, bringing back gifted workhorse Richie McCaw at openside flanker for Marty Holah, who would probably walk into most other sides.

Mitchell made eight changes for the game with England and, after digesting performances, has come up with the team that could start this month's Tri-Nations as he hones his World Cup plans.

Crusaders youngster Daniel Carter makes his second All Blacks appearance at inside centre after his impressive debut against the Welsh.

He continues to partner Hurricanes' star Tana Umaga in the centre as the only non-Blues and Auckland players in the back division.

Steve Devine and Carlos Spencer form the half-back partnership, with Joe Rokocoko and Doug Howlett on the wings and Mils Muliaina at full-back.